Career offender sentenced to 16 years in prison for being armed while trafficking meth

NORFOLK, Va. - A Norfolk drug trafficker was sentenced today to 16 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents, on Aug. 7, 2024, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of narcotics from Johnathan David Bell, 36, during which he distributed 111.19 grams of methamphetamine and 1.19 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture.

On August 16, 2024, detectives observed Bell walking through the parking lot of a hotel in Norfolk carrying two backpacks. Bell placed the one backpack inside a vehicle and left with the other backpack. Bell later returned to and entered the vehicle. Detectives approached Bell at the vehicle and detained him. Detectives screened the vehicle with a narcotics dog. After the dog alerted to the odor of narcotics, detectives conducted a search and located the black backpack Bell was previously carrying. Inside the backpack were 386.49 grams of methamphetamine, 1.3657 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture, drug paraphernalia, a digital scale, and a loaded handgun.

Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Christopher Heck, Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C.; Mark Talbot, Chief of Norfolk Police; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Darryl J. Mitchell prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-30.